Dynamics of Massive
Star-forming Regions
PhD and MSc Prof Derck Smits and Dr
Gordon McLeod
082 388 2705 / (012) 429
6345
smitsdp@unisa.ac.za
UNISA Massive star forming regions reside in cool dark giant
molecular clouds that are difficult to penetrate using
optical telescopes as a result of dust obscuration. As a
giant molecular cloud coalesces into a star it warms and
becomes visible in the far-infrared portion of the
spectrum detectable by both the IRAS and SPITZER
satellites. The structure and the dynamics of the HII
region and its interaction with the parental cloud also
can be studied via radio astronomy techniques.
MeerKAT will be an excellent facility to carry out
detailed investigations of massive star-forming regions.
Until MeerKAT is available for use the student will utilise
archival data from the Very Large Array, Socorro NM
USA, and Merlin, Great Britain, telescopes. In particular
the student will investigate the relationship between the
HII region and the associated OH, H2O and CH3OH
astrophysical masers. The student will apply for
observing on existing interferometers and Very Long
Baseline Interferometry networks.
This project can be divided into an MSc and PhD level
thesis project.
This Master’s level project will entail: (a) a comparative
study of the data from both IRAS and SPITZER
catalogues, and (b) a literature search for all related
work on evolution of massive star forming regions. It
has been suggested by several authors that different
phases of star formation are visible in far-infrared two-
BSc Hons or
MSc in astronomy
The SOUTH AFRICAN SKA Project’s Youth into Science and Engineering Programme
To increase the number of highly-skilled scientists and engineers able to support the SKA
and MeerKAT during the design, construction and operational phases of the telescopes, the
South African SKA Project Office initiated a youth into science and engineering programme
in 2004. Part of this programme supports postgraduate students. The objective in the first
instance is to provide sufficient numbers of scientists and engineers to participate in the
design and construction of the MeerKAT and the SKA, and to use these telescopes once
they are operational, so further developing a vibrant South African astronomy research and
teaching community. MSc and PhD bursaries have been awarded to South African students
and students from other countries in Africa, studying at South African universities or at
universities in the African countries that have partnered with the South African SKA site
proposal.
3. Eligibility for bursaries from the South African SKA Postgraduate bursaries
Programme
The following students may apply for South African SKA Project postgraduate bursaries:
3.1. South African citizens and permanent residents of South Africa who wish to complete
an MSc or PhD degree at a South African university.
3.2. Non – South Africans from other countries in Africa who wish to complete an MSc or
PhD degree at a South African university.
3.3. Non – South Africans from other countries in Africa who wish to complete an MSc or
PhD degree at a university in an South African SKA Partner Country: Namibia, Zambia,
Botswana, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, Kenya and Ghana.
4. Research topics and supervisions of research
4.1. The research focus for the SKA PhD and MSc bursaries must align very closely with
specific areas of MeerKAT, SKA, PAPER and C-BASS science and technology where
research is required.
4.2. The MSc and PhD projects (particularly the astronomy projects) must include a
component of practical skills development (e.g. data analysis and / or computer
simulations) so that the student acquires the necessary skills to become a competent
(radio) astronomy researcher or engineer.
for more information;
http://www.uct.ac.za/usr/pgfo/nrfapplications/SKA-NRF_PhD&Msc_manuaforapplication.pdf